Unlocking the Mystery of Specialty Coffee

We often mention that our coffee is categorized as “specialty coffee.” But what does that mean? Specialty coffee is the pinnacle of coffee quality embodying exceptional taste and meticulous attention to every stage of production. Let’s delve further…

Quality and Scoring

To earn the prestigious title of specialty coffee, beans must score a minimum of 80 points on a 100-point scale established by the Specialty Coffee Association. This rigorous evaluation assesses various attributes including fragrance, aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, sweetness, uniformity and cleanness. See our blog: Coffee Cupping Competition and Why It Matters.

Origin and Production

Specialty coffees are single- origin or single-estate, meaning beans are from a specific region – for Hog Heaven Coffee, it’s the Hāmākua region on the Big Island of Hawaii.  What we process, roast and sell come only from our farm, we never blend with coffees from other regions or farms.  Coffees are hand-picked from mature, ripe beans, grown in microclimate, with responsible farming practices. We respect the sanctity of āina (land), recognizing it's a privilege to preserve and enhance our environment.

Proper Roasting

To achieve specialty status the beans must be roasted to their greatest flavor potential. Our roaster, Mike ensures each batch reaches its peak flavor profile consistently.

Uniqueness

Only about 10% of global coffee production attains specialty grade status. This means a staggering 90% of coffees sold worldwide fall short of these strict standards.

Additionally, as the only state in the U.S to commercially cultivate coffee, Hawaii grown coffees makes up only 0.5% of the global coffee production. And from that limited quantity, less than half qualifies as specialty grade.

Hog Heaven Coffee is the only Hawaiian coffee farm to have consistently achieved specialty grade status in the Hāmākua district. Our farm has won the district title three years in a row in the statewide coffee cupping competition.

By choosing our coffee, you join an elite group of discerning coffee connoisseurs who appreciate and nuances of origin, the value of supporting small local farms. A genuine win-win: exceptional coffee for you, and sustainable future for small local farms.

Now you know the true meaning behind special specialty coffee. It’s not just a slogan, but a commitment to quality, sustainability and unparalleled flavor.

Happy Coffee Cheers!

If you’re ready to try our award-winning coffee, choose from our shops menu.

Mahalo